Kyle Busby, of Leicester Road, Loughborough, has received cards from all over the world after his dad Stuart posted online asking for people to get in touch with his autistic son to make his birthday special.

AN AUTISTIC Loughborough teen has received over 1,500 cards today (Friday, October 7) after his dad started an internet appeal to ensure he had a happy birthday.

TV presenter Phillip Schofield, the Boston Red Sox and international cricketer Niall O’Brien, have all been in contact with 17-year-old Kyle Busby, of Leicester Road, Loughborough, after dad, Stuart, posted a plea on social media following a heart-breaking conversation with Kyle.

On the run up to his birthday, the teen, who struggles with socialising, asked his dad if the reason he never receives birthday cards is because he “has no friends”.

Step-mum Hannah Smith told the Echo that Kyle’s questions brought a lump to Stuart’s throat so the doting-dad decided to take to the internet to ensure his son had a sweet seventeenth.

Since the post, the family’s life has become a whirlwind of cards, phone calls and gifts.

Cards from America, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Canada, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Ireland have all arrived with Kyle’s names on.

Today the youngster has opened over 1,500 cards - and he’s not even half way through yet!

Kyle told the Echo: “It’s been the best birthday ever. The favourite thing I have received is $20 from someone in LA.

“I’ve had loads of other things like money and tickets, it’s been amazing.”

The lucky teen has received a variety of gifts as well as cards including an invitation to attend an Everton football match with his dad in the director’s box.

Hannah and Stuart have been left completely overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity.

Hannah said: “We’re so very thankful to everyone, and Kyle has a lot of thank you cards to write back!

“Autism can be a lonely life for the person and the family and the post has helped raise awareness of that.

“We’ve had people with autistic children contact us, it’s been great as it makes you feel a little less like you’re on your own.”

Dad Stuart is hoping that Kyle can break the world record for most birthday cards received which currently stands at five million.